Letter from the Commissioner of Higher Education

The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning is committed to an expectation of responsible and ethical behavior for all members of the university system. We take this commitment seriously and each member of our university community is a part of that effort.

I ask your help in pledging to promote an ethical and safe environment in everything we do. We're responsible for our own individual actions and choices; we're also often in positions to observe the impact of decisions beyond our control.

While I believe unethical actions do not characterize our Board, staff or university family, I want to ensure that we have effective methods of reporting activities that we may feel are inappropriate. To help in that effort, the university system recently has installed a new phone and Internet-based reporting system, the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Ethics Line.

Managed by the company EthicsPoint, it provides easy ways to report discreetly and confidentially activities that may involve criminal, unethical, or otherwise inappropriate behavior that violates the Policies & Bylaws of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning.

The Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Ethics Line is a reporting tool to assist the university system family in working together to address fraud, abuse, misconduct, and other violations, while helping to cultivate a positive environment. The system is built to protect the identity of the reporter and provide a formal mechanism for investigation, follow-up and response. You may file a report through the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Ethics Line on this web site or by telephoning toll-free 877-310-0424.

The Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Ethics Line is not a substitute for existing reporting channels already established by the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning. This service is provided as an additional means of reporting, especially when maintaining the reporter's confidentiality is important. I encourage you to continue resolving issues or disputes through established communication channels first, whenever possible.

However, when those channels are not available or when there is a need to maintain confidentiality, please know that the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Ethics Line will provide an additional channel. When used wisely, I believe it will serve the university system well in ensuring that we continue to maintain the high ethical standards we have all come to expect.

To Make a Report

Dial toll-free, within the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico and Canada:877-310-0424

After you complete your report you will be assigned a unique code called a "report key." Write down your report key and password and keep them in a safe place. After 5-6 business days, use your report key and password to check your report for feedback or questions.

EthicsPoint is NOT a 911 or Emergency Service:Do not use this site to report events presenting an immediate threat to life or property. Reports submitted through this service may not receive an immediate response. If you require emergency assistance, please contact your local authorities.